Leaders Rob & Jo
To achieve maximum impact at one location the group agreed to run two consecutive scrub clearance events at the same place. The site chosen was the Cotswold escarpment at the Crickley Hill Country Park overlooking Cheltenham and Gloucester.
The unimproved limestone grassland scarp quickly becomes overgrown with hawthorn, hazel, beech and brambles when not grazed and this is detrimental to the 34 local species butterflies and other invertebrates.
Therefore these two Sunday tasks, led by Rob and Jo respectively, cleared a large swathe of scrub from the slopes. All the brash was dragged to a bonfire site and burnt, leaving the area neat and tidy.
The weather on the
first occasion began grey with swirling cloud and mist but gradually,
through the day, cleared to end sunny. On the 20th the strong,
icy wind was the predominant feature, everyone worked with a purpose
just to keep warm!
By the end there
was a most impressive transformation; where there was impenetrable
scrub and tangled undergrowth there are now grassy slopes. Altogether
this was a particularly rewarding pair of tasks - Thanks to all
who took part.
